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Ramy Principle by Max Maven and Ramy

Created by: Max Maven, Ramy

The Ramy Principle is a captivating ESP trick that creates the illusion of psychic ability through a series of seemingly free choices, ultimately revealing a matching card. This mentalism routine utilizes a specially prepared deck of ESP cards, specifically the Eclipse ESP deck by Louis Lal & D. Christopher, known for its durable PVC construction and easily readable markings. The trick involves spectator interaction and the use of stones or other small objects to enhance the mystical atmosphere, making it a compelling addition to any magician's repertoire.

Key features

  • Utilizes the Ramy principle for a self-working effect

  • Can be performed with ESP cards, plain cards, or hand-drawn symbols

  • Involves spectator interaction for a more engaging experience

  • Recommended use of the Eclipse ESP deck for durability and readability

  • Designed to give the impression of genuine free choice

Pros

  • Self-working principle makes it easy to perform

  • Highly engaging for spectators

  • Versatile in terms of props used

  • Durable and readable ESP deck recommended

Cons

  • Requires careful setup to maintain the mirrored stack

  • May need practice to perform the casual shuffle convincingly

Effect

The Ramy Principle creates the illusion of psychic ability using ESP cards. A spectator freely mixes the deck and selects a pile of cards. The performer and spectator each take four cards. The spectator chooses how many stones or objects to use, which determines how many cards they transfer to the bottom of their pile. This process repeats until only one card remains for each. Despite the spectator's free choices, the performer's final card always matches theirs. The kicker reveals that every discarded card also matches, reinforcing the idea of a genuine psychic connection.

Full Details

The Ramy Principle is a self-working effect that relies on a mirrored stack of ESP cards. The setup involves two identical four-card packets, with one reversed and placed on top of the other. After a casual shuffle and spectator cuts, the performer counts off four cards to reset the mirrored order. The spectator then makes free choices on how many stones or objects to use, which dictates how many cards they move. No matter their choices, the final cards always match.

The routine can be performed with any ESP deck, though the Eclipse ESP deck by Louis Lal & D. Christopher is recommended for durability and readability. The presentation can be enhanced by using stones or crystals, tying into themes of gypsy fortune-telling or meditation for a more mystical atmosphere.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and self-working effects. It suits performers who want a strong ESP routine with minimal sleight of hand. Those who appreciate clean, fair-seeming methods will find the Ramy Principle effective. It works well in close-up or parlor settings, especially when paired with a storytelling presentation about psychic abilities.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Ramy Principle is easy to perform, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The most challenging aspect is maintaining a natural presentation while handling the mirrored stack. The setup is straightforward, and the spectator's free choices drive the effect, making it nearly foolproof. Performers should focus on smooth handling and engaging patter to enhance the illusion.

What Magicians Say

SeanDevine describes the Ramy Principle as "mindblowing" and "impossible to figure out." He praises its self-working nature, calling it "clean and fair" while emphasizing the spectator's genuine free choice. He recommends the Eclipse ESP deck for its durability and clear markings, stating it's "one of the best ESP decks" available. His variation replaces coins with stones for a more believable mentalism presentation, noting that the original coin-based handling felt less convincing.

The trick's strength lies in its simplicity and strong impact. As SeanDevine explains, "For a self-working ESP trick, it doesn't get much better than this." The matching final cards and the kicker reveal make it a powerful routine for mentalism performers.

What people are saying about Ramy Principle

SeanDevine says...

This is sort of my variation or my take on an old trick called cheapest match by Max Maven now this does use a principle called the Ramy principle which is so just mindblowing that you it's impossible to figure out how it works if you love mentalism if you love ESP tricks and if you love self-working principles then you're going to love this trick.

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